Is it possible to make a dress two sizes bigger?

[Waddayathink]

Found a dress I’d love for my wedding.
It’s a size 10. I am not.

Should I buy it anyway in the impossible hope of starving myself into it? Or can it be made bigger? Or do I just need to let go and continue the search?

If it's off the peg it's very unlikely there's enough in the seams to allow it to be let out very much, if at all. Could you have a dressmaker make something similar in your size?

It depends on the style and material. It'll be a lot of faff if it is possible. And you'll need a bloody good seamstress. I'd probably give it a miss.

Do you have a photo of the dress?

If you know a talented seamstress then it should be possible, but the finished dress won't be the same as the original.

If there are generous seam allowances, and it is shoulderless you would need enough seam allowance to let it out 2 inch at each side.

I would put in panels at the side seams, but boning etc will not be in the correct place.

Depending on your frame, you may or may not be able to go down two dress sizes.

I would keep looking.

I doubt it. Maybe a good seamstress can copy the design and make it in a bigger size?

Just buy a dress that fits you

Look at the seam allowance - it's unlikely to be sufficient to make it one size bigger never mind two.

Depending on where the problem is/style a dressmaker may be able to adjust it sufficiently but it would mean for example changing the whole of the back of the bodice. It would likely cost as much as starting from scratch unless the fabric is extremely expensive.

Now you know what you want you'll hopefully be able to find it in a comfortable size!

I like making clothes. I wouldn't even buy myself a dress that was one size too small. Let it go and find a new one you love.

I’ve looked everywhere and can’t find any dress I like 😭
I don’t want to spend a fortune, it’s only a little wedding… Hopefully pic has attached

Photo hasn't attached, @Waddayathink.

No it's not possible. There won't be enough fabric in the seams.

Oh yes it has. Sorry.Posted too soon.

That’s a lovely dress. Maybe if you take the photo to a dressmaker who specialises in bridal they can make you something the same?

No, silly idea

That dress is gorgeous!

Gorgeous dress, I'd see if a dress maker can make one similar.

My wedding dress was made to my exact specifications by a local wedding dress designer and cost the same as SIL's off the peg one.

You'd be better off getting a seamstress to make you a copy.

The dress is lovely. Quite a simple pattern though so not a huge task to copy.

You need a bias cut. You'll need decent fabric and lace.

Try looking for a maxi bias cut silk or satin dress, and you might find a lookalike.

It will probably not have ther wedding dress premium.

If you are on a budget, lookk for 'pre-loved' or 'worn once'.

If the sleeves fit, perhaps a seamstress could cut it at the back and add a mesh or lace panel to the bodice?

If you post in Style & Beauty, the regulars are very good at 'find me a dress like this' - I'd look for something similar in the right size.

Is this one any good?

@Waddayathink

I’ve looked everywhere and can’t find any dress I like 😭 I don’t want to spend a fortune, it’s only a little wedding… Hopefully pic has attached

That’s really lovely.

Check if another supplier has the right size?

@JanFebAnyMonth

Check if another supplier has the right size?

Nowhere else seems to supply it 😭

@ILoveShula I don’t mind that dress. I don’t love it though

Send the picture to an independent wedding boutique (not too upmarket) they might be able to source similar. Until you see it on you though it may or may not look right. I love that dress too but on my size 14 frame (and wedding dresses come up small so probably a 16 needed) it won't look like that.

It’s a lovely dress. Agree with PP that it’s not technically difficult though (from the photo at least). A good amateur dress maker could manage it, and it would be much easier to start from scratch than try and adjust.